How can we learn to effectively navigate our thoughts, emotions, and the difficult circumstances that we encounter in life so we can take action that is in alignment with what we value and what we care about? Combining ancient mindfulness practices and philosophies, and the most modern psychological research, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) provides a model for growth, wellness, and deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. My guest today Dr. Rosalind Watts is a clinical psychologist and the founder of ACER Integration, that goes beyond simply focusing on psychedelic integration, but provides an insightful model for understanding humanity. As the former clinical lead on the Psilocybin for Depression trial at Imperial College London, Dr. Watts led a clinical team that facilitated over a hundred psilocybin treatment sessions. Having recognized that safe and effective use of psychedelics requires substantial integration support, Rosalind co-founded the UK's first psychedelic integration group, and is now launching a global online integration community, ‘Accept, Connect, Embody, Restore’ (ACER) where members will follow a 12-month process together, in community. Her contributions to the field of psychedelic therapy are numerous and include the development of the Watts Connectedness Scale, which is a psychometric tool for measuring outcomes of psychedelic therapy. The end of this episode explores Dr. Watt’s ACER Model through the lens of leadership and dives into the importance of female leadership in the psychedelic space. -----I'm so thrilled and honored to be the headlining keynote speaker at Arise Music festival at the end of May in Boon Colorado! I'll be speaking about the intersection between psychedelics, creativity and visionary leadership.​Use code ARISE15 to get 15% off festival and camping passes. This code expires April 30th! Click here to get your tickets. ------Key TakeawaysThe 6 stage model for ACT called a Hexiflex gives us a model to understand humanity.Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) provides a model for growth, wellness, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. The ACER Model developed by Dr. Rosalind Watts is a way to help people make sense of their deep psychedelic journey, and take the learning to integrate findings into their daily life.Resources Mentioned ACT Made SimpleFree Guide for Psychedelic IntegrationARISE music festival where I will be speaking (Use CODE: …Click here to access this episode's page complete with a full transcript, more about the author, and complete list of resources.Featured MusicEpisode #50 of the Psychedelic Leadership Podcast features a song called "Stand Like An Oak" by Rising Appalachia. Listen to the Stand Like An Oak on SpotifyListen to the Stand Like An Oak on Apple MusicRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts"I love Laura Dawn and The Psychedelic Leadership Podcast.” <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- expand what they believe is possible. DM me on Instagram after you leave a review and I’d be happy to give you a shoutout on my stories! I’d love to connect with you on Instagram: @livefreelaurad

Dr. Rosalind Watts, clinical psychologist at the Psychedelic Research Group at Imperial College London, discusses the history and resurgence of psilocybin research, embracing difficult emotions and surrendering in psychedelic experiences, the effects of psilocybin on depression, the role of psilocybin in therapy, accessing altered states beyond psychedelics, and maintaining change and connecting to self and others.